Frequently asked questions …..

No

You can self refer to Soft Steps Midwifery! Just fill out the contact us section on the website or drop an email to softstepsmidwifery@gmail.com.

‘As of November 2024 no GP collaboration is required to have your care with a private midwife.’

Yes

I work at Albany and Narrogin maternity units. I love keeping in the loop with the local maternity units and working with midwife colleagues. However Soft Steps is not affiliated with the hospital.

I trained as a nurse in London, UK and then after moving to Australia trained as a midwife with Notre Dame university. I then undertook my graduate midwife program at King Edwards memorial hospital and have worked in various locations around Western Australia. Most recently I have worked as a clinical midwife and clinical facilitator at Albany Maternity unit.

This is the exciting bit!

However you want to. It is your space. Lots of women like to create a safe and cosy birthing area where they can put pretty lights up and photos of loved ones.

Practicalities include having lots of towels available and hiring a birthing pool if you want one.

Even with the greatest plans, things can change. If the pregnancy changes course or you decide that you want to birth in the hospital then I will attend the hospital with you as a support person. As of 2025 Soft Steps does not have admitting rights so wont be able to provide maternity care to you in the hospital, however this hopefully will be available in the future.

No (not necesarily)

Private midwives work within the ACM guidelines. This means that lots of different things may pop up in the pregnancy that the ACM guidelines recommended be consulted with a GP obstetrician. This will always be an open discussion and ever changing.

We will talk about it and make a plan. Soft Steps can make referrals to other healthcare providers where needed. At the end of the day it is about whether the ‘problem’ is really a problem and if the midwife and yourself are happy to make a plan so that you are supported with your decision.

Due to there being a limited number of private midwives in the Great Southern we are in high demand. When we take a booking this secures the spot for the woman. Unfortunately this means that we don’t provide refunds. However we can work with you to make a plan that suits you.

Lots !

Emergency equipment for mum and baby

Medications for lots of eventualities

Equipment to check mum and babies vital signs

nitrous oxide (gas and air)

A second midwife for the ‘birth bit’

A wonderful midwife colleague called Sam will be the second midwife at your birth. However if Sam is not available then it will be another midwife colleague from the hospital. I will always have a 2nd midwife for the birth and initial postnatal period.

Some health providers are now assisting with between $1000 - $2000 for the cost of home birth. Please contact your own provider for more information.

If you are struggling to pay in one go please reach out and we can see if a payment plan may be an option.

Medicare

For antenatal packages you will be entitled to approximately $1000 in medicare rebates.

For postnatal packages rebates also apply.

For home birth fee there is currently no medicare rebates.

Clinic appointments - payment on the day

Infant massage course - payment on booking

There are some beautiful options for birth photographers and doula’s here in The Great Southern. Both of which can add great value to your birthing experience and to cherish the memories of this magical time.

We are covered by the insurance provider MIGA for all antenatal and postnatal care provided. However at this time the insures does not provide insurance for the labour bit. This is currently in discussion and hopefully some time soon there will be an insurance option for labour

It depends …

If we can ensure that we have a 2nd midwife who can attend this area then potentially yes. However it really does depend how far out.